Associates or Certificate program?

I am trying to get started in a career that is not 100% desk work, and saw my community college has an associates and a certificate program for facilities maintenance. I'm thinking that could be a good start to a new career, whether that is in maintenance for the long haul or eventually specializing in a trade.

I'd prefer to just get an entry level position and learn that way, but getting my foot in the door has been difficult. Does this seem like a good plan?